The Australian Government will increase international student places in 2026 while introducing new measures to attract students from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. Student numbers will rise by 9 per cent to 295,000, up from 270,000 in 2025. Two-thirds of places will be allocated to universities, while one-third will go to the vocational and training sector. Public universities can apply for more places if they show stronger engagement with Indonesia and Southeast Asia through programs, partnerships, branch campuses, alumni networks, and scholarships.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, welcomed the move. He said Indonesia and Australia share a long-standing education partnership, and more Indonesian students will enrich campuses and strengthen bilateral ties. The reforms also require universities to provide more student accommodation. This is to ensure that both domestic and international students have safe and secure housing options.
Australia remains a top destination for Indonesian students. A record 24,000 Indonesians are studying there in 2025. The policy is expected to deepen education cooperation and engagement with Indonesia. The new measures aim to expand opportunities for students and strengthen people-to-people links between the two nations.
Universities are expected to respond to the new policy by enhancing collaboration in Southeast Asia. This could involve expanding academic programs, building more partnerships, and increasing scholarship availability. The combination of increased capacity and targeted engagement is seen as a strategic move to bolster Australia’s role as a leading education hub in the region. Ambassador Brazier expressed optimism about the future of bilateral education ties under this initiative.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
